HTC has been awarded a patent for a technology that would let you unlock your smartphone or tablet with your face. However, Face Unlock is already a feature on Android that first appeared on Ice Cream Sandwich. Does this mean a war is brewing among the Android crowd?

The patent covers the use of "biometric data" to enter a device. That could be either the image of your face or a fingerprint.

Interestingly enough, HTC actually filed the patent back in November 2008. Google's rollout of Android 4.0 began last October. There is, however, a slight difference between HTC's patent and the Ice Cream Sandwich feature. They both allow you to type in a password to unlock your device if it doesn't recognize your face. But HTC provides that the unknown mug be stored on the list of faces allowed to enter the phone.

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Considering how patent-happy OEMs have been lately, this could signal a fight. If there is a battle, it would likely be between HTC and direct competitors like Samsung, rather than with Google. Though if anything, HTC would probably look to profit off of licensing fees.
[Unwired View]